Willa's First Soilds

I'm pretty sure I thought long and hard about starting Connor on solids. I got one of those baby food makers and took my job of making him nutritious and delicious combinations very seriously. By the time we got to Callum, I threw table scraps at him and called it good. Then there's Willa. I always aim to start my kids on solids around six months old. And I don't do baby cereal, as research says it's unnecessary and unfortunately full of arsenic. I hadn't thought much about exactly when I would start Willa and what her first food would be. But the other night, sitting at the dinner table, half of an avocado was left and I just decided to go for it. 

Clearly she didn't like it ;) She had a hard time picking it up, so I handed it to her instead. Even then, it kept flying out of her hand. In her mouth, she managed to get a couple big bites, but I think most of it ended up coming back out. Overall, she seemed extremely satisfied with her first experience. Now for the fun to begin! Well, not too much fun until she gets some teeth in. No pizza for this girl yet! 

Willa's first solid food - August 11, 2019

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Summer Slow Cooker Recipes

I can't be the only person who looses all motivation for cooking once the outside temperature rises above 95 can I? I mean, who wants to heat their house up while the air conditioner is trying to cool it off? Not to mention standing over the hot, hot heat sweating while making dinner. Nope, not me. The thing is, I can only stand so much barbecuing before I get bored. All the food pretty much feels the same to me from a barbecue. There just isn't enough variety. So, I dusted off my old slow cooker and gave her a go. Don't you think that she was too dusty. After all, she gets used all winter long. I love me some soups and hearty meals in the winter. So her and I work together almost every day in the winter. But not so much in the summer. Anyway, I ended up making the most incredible meal and decided I needed to keep going for it...as the forecast calls for days over 100 for a very long time yet. So, here's some inspiration for both you and I...though most these meals I've tried in the past and just forgotten about.

* spinach artichoke chicken

* broccoli beef - have you ever tried it over ramen noodles instead of rice? Yum!

* honey garlic chicken & veggies

* salsa verde chicken - hello tacos!

* balsamic roast beef - sure it's hearty, but it's good!

* spaghetti squash & meatballs - don't tell anyone, but I use premade meatballs, making this literally the easiest meal ever. And you feel healthy eating it because it's spaghetti squash! 

* orange chicken

* apple bacon stuffed pork chops - I left out the walnuts, as I'm not a fan

* cilantro lime chicken tacos - because can one have too many taco nights in their life?!

* pulled pork - this is a healthy one, free of sugar. Pulled pork can literally be served any way you like - as a sandwich, as a taco, in a "lettuce boat", making it bread free. Anyway you like it, I love it topped with Frank's RedHot sauce.

And just in case you are looking for a refreshing side dish to change up those barbecue dinners a bit, this cucumber dill salad is amazing. 

If you have any healthy(ish) crock pot recipes you love, send them my way. I need to combat all my ice cream and otter pop eating ways with supposedly healthy dinners to make myself feel better ;)

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Callum's First Doughnut

Last week, on September 19th to be exact, Callum had his first doughnut. It was national talk like a pirate day and every year Krispy Kreme gives away a dozen doughnuts if you come in dressed like a pirate. Every year I am blown away that they try to give a box for each child (well, and adults too) when one box is way more than enough. So, just like last year, we only took the one box. And we luckily went into Krispy Kreme just before a couple adults walked in with like thirty kids. Score for us…well really score for my kids because I totally would not have waited in line that long!

When we got home, I decided to let Callum partake in a doughnut. Honestly, he was way more into the peach I gave him the other day than the doughnut. He didn't seem to like touching it much. Which, it was fresh and very sticky. And he really didn't eat much of it before completely loosing interest. But, it made for some cute pictures and isn't that what really matters?!

Just look at that first picture, so curious what's in the box. He was probably so curious because we were so excited to give it to him!

I am such a sucker for all these minor firsts in my kids lives and totally love documenting it, even if I get made fun of from time to time for doing so…yep, a mom at Isla's preschool made fun of me for always having my camera. I'll just chalk it up to jealousy ;)

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Whole30 {week 1}

^^ The most decadent tasting Whole30 approved treat.

^^ Curry and caulirice all thanks to Trader Joes (well, the curry sauce and caulirice at least)

^^ My favorite sausages Aidells chicken and apple. I literally can't get enough. 

I feel like at this point, everyone and their mother knows someone that has done Whole30. I decided to do it because I needed something to light the fire under me to help me get back into eating healthy. Because, let's be honest, after an infant, Ian's busy season and a move with three kids, I wasn't eating as healthy as I would like or should…but was doing what I could to survive. So, last Tuesday, Ian and I started Whole30. I thought I would share my observations week by week as I do it.

Because I can choose what to eat (instead of healthy eating plans that choose the food for you), I find myself eating a bunch of things I like.

The first couple days were hard. It took my stomach a couple days to even out and figure out what I was eating and old habits die hard. I never realized how ofter I would just pick things off the kids plates and eat it!

You spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Making things in huge batches really does help…like a huge thing of meat that can be used for taco boats and taco salad throughout the week.

I HAVE to plan ahead when leaving the house. I can't easily pick up things on the go that are compliant, so eating before or packing in preparation is key.

Coconut milk from a can, whipped a bit, is really good in coffee.

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For Love of the Crockpot

I feel like I need to get it out there that the runner up to this photo was one of me actually kissing my crockpot. Yes, I do love it THAT MUCH.

I have been on the crockpot bandwagon way before it was even cool. Yes, it is cool. A couple weeks ago, I was reading the news and in the article, some big time chef dissed the crockpot. I instantly felt defensive. And may have even considered writing this lady a letter. I mean, she hadn't just dissed an acquaintance of mine, but a super close and super reliable family member of mine. Since I knew a letter would be no help, except to maybe give her a laugh in her day, I thought I would instead share some of my favorite go-to crockpot recipes.

I try new crockpot recipes almost weekly. Pinterest is my go to source for recipes. The problem is, it is hard to find ones that are at least semi healthy, don't require a ton of extra work (so are more one pot style meals) and aren't soups. There are a couple soups on this list, but all these recipes are meals I have made numerous times and are winners in my house.


Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies - Bonus points for this being a "one pot" recipe because the veggies are already in it!

Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs - In full disclosure, I use pre-made meatballs, making it literally "stupid easy" (see the name of the actual recipe on the link to get that one).

Sausage Spinach Tomato Soup - So incredibly much flavor. And given how much spinach that goes in, I consider it a one pot recipe as well. Bonus points for this being a soup my husband actually loves…I'm the soup lover in the family, not him.

White Chicken Chili - It only has five ingredients. It really can't get any easier.

Southwest Chicken Soup

Teriyaki Chicken - This one may take a couple extra steps to make the sauce thicken at the end, but it tastes really good.

One of my ultimate favorites, I don't have a recipe for, Rootbeer Pulled Pork. You literally just throw in the pork roast, completely cover it with rootbeer (I have had better results having the pork roast completely submerged vs. using a specific amount) and cook it all day. At the end of the day, pull the roast out and shred it. Then add some rootbeer from the crockpot and come bbq sauce and mix it all together with the pulled pork. It is so dang good.


Wow, I really proved that big time chef wrong there, didn't I?! But seriously, the crockpot is one of the most used items in my kitchen. And I am loving life come dinner time when all the work is already done and we just get to eat. So I think it and I will be best buds for a long time.

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Strawberry Picking

I kept thinking about going blueberry picking one last time before the season ends, but it turns out I waited a bit too long. I kind of knew I was. It has become so popular in our area now that the farms are usually completely picked within two weeks. But, the silver lining was, I found out they had tons of strawberries waiting to be picked. I called Ian and begged him to come home early from work (which I never do...so I decided it was okay to do this time) and he did.

Because we got there in the middle of the afternoon, and it was rather warm out, we had the place to ourselves and that was totally divine. I could let the kids wonder without worry. There were ginormous, sweet strawberries as far as the eye could see. We ended up picking over 9 pounds worth. Strawberry picking is so much less labor intensive than blueberry picking!

^^ This picture reminded me of when we went strawberry picking in Scotland when Connor was a baby. There is a picture of me holding a strawberry the same way.

Connor ate way more strawberries than he picked. We had to stop him from eating them because he was chowing down like crazy. After eating a couple, Isla happily picked them and put them in her bucket. In fact, she got so excited every time she saw a strawberry "I see a staberry mama!"

^^ Isla is always copying Connor. When she realized he was holding his bucket up, she had to hold her's up as well.

We will definitely be strawberry picking again next year. These are the sweetest and juiciest strawberries I have tasted in a very long time. They are washed and cut and chilling (literally) in the frig...the perfect snack! I also mashed some up and have them freezing in popsicle molds. I figure they will be the perfect snack for the kids, given it is supposed to be 106 today! 

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Because Sometimes You Just Want a Doughnut

I woke up just really wanting a doughnut. It just sounded good and it sounded like a fun family outing. But I literally had to beg the kids to go, then finally just force it upon them. It was then an there I realized they don't really know what doughnuts are.

Obviously we don't get them enough! Don't get me wrong. Connor used to know what doughnuts were. He would even ask for them all the time. Back then (like a year or so ago) I used to go get them on an almost daily basis. And I was totally gaining weight and didn't understand why!?! So the almost daily doughnuts and the daily froyo trips stopped. I can't believe that I was packing on the pounds either!?

Well the pendulum seems to have swung in the opposite direction. Maybe doughnuts should be like a once a month excursion. Or at least every other month. Or maybe once a week...I kid. I seriously have no self restraint when it comes to food. Come on guys, it's a genetic thing! My dad doesn't either!

But the doughnuts were good. I had a maple bar, my favorite. I ate the whole thing in like 5 seconds flat. Connor ate all the frosting and sprinkles off his doughnut and nothing more. And Isla powered through 3 doughnut holes and was left with the most adorable frosting mustache I have ever seen (I totally should have taken a picture because it was so cute.)

Now, after writing all this, I am wanting another doughnut...

DIY Iced Coffee

For those of you that don't have a coffee background, iced coffee is basically double strength coffee. And if you want to be real legit, you will cold brew your double strength coffee, rather than hot brewing double strength coffee. The cold brew way takes more time, but it also makes the coffee taste more smooth, as it removes some of the acidity from it. We cold brew. It tastes better and besides the wait time, really isn't any harder. What we use at home to make our iced coffee is a Toddy. It's a cheap and easy to use system for making iced coffee. 

The Toddy system comes with five parts - brewing container, reusable filter, rubber stopper and a glass pitcher with a lid. 

To make iced coffee, there are only two ingredients - coffee and water. We use about a cup of whole beans for each batch of coffee. And though we now use home roasted coffee beans, I also recommend Trader Joes smooth and mellow coffee for iced coffee. But back to making the coffee. All that is needed for the Toddy is a cup of beans and the Toddy pitcher full of water. 

You will want to put your rubber stopper in the brewing container, then put in your reusable filter. On a side note, you have to store your reusable filter in the refrigerator or freezer...random, right? And I realize our filter isn't a pristine white any more, but the two filters the toddy came with have lasted two years.

Next you want to grind your beans. You want the beans ground pretty course, like for a french press. 

Then you are going to put about half your water in the brewing container. Top it with about half your grinds and allow the grinds to soak into the water themselves. DO NOT STIR IT. Then you will repeat the process by adding more water and more coffee grinds. Once you are done, top with some cling film (you know, to keep flies and small people's hands out) and a rubber band and let the concoction sit for 24 hours.

After the 24 hours, while holding the brewing container over the pitcher, pull out the rubber stopper. Then set the brewing container on top of the pitcher and allow the coffee to drain into the pitcher. And, tada, you have yourself some amazing tasting iced coffee for way cheaper than Starbucks. 

And for you, a little tip. Since the pitcher isn't required for the brewing process, when you find yourself running low on iced coffee, start a new batch brewing, so it is ready when you run out. 

Ian and I both drink our iced coffee the same - no sugar, but with a little cream. I prefer to drink my coffee with a straw and the reusable iced coffee cups are my favorite. I've used ball jars before, but I prefer the coffee cups because they have lids AND fit in the cup holder in my car. 

And just to confuse you a little more, you can also do this method with a french press...using less coffee and water obviously. Just make sure after the 24 hours is up to not store your coffee in the french press with the grinds. Also, you will want to filter it again just to make sure all the grinds and grit are out of the coffee as the mesh filter in a french press doesn't do an amazing job. 

So now that you know how easy it is, save yourself some money and start making your own iced coffee. But don't blame me when you find yourself drinking way more than you should! And if any of you out there currently make your own iced coffee, I would love to hear about your methods. 

It All Started with an Instagram Photo

A simple picture of a minion cupcake. I knew Connor would love it. After all, minions are his new obsession (more on that later). I went online and found out where The Cupcake Lady was parked. Super close to my house. But it was cutting it close with when Isla should be waking up from her nap. I may or may not have sped the process along (Oh hi baby girl. Were you not awake yet? Ooops. Well, you may as well get up now...). And we set out.

We arrived only to find out that the minion cupcakes were sold out. However, they would be picking up more before their next stop (a 25 minute drive away). Connor was really looking forward to this cupcake. I had told him all about it. So I asked if I could prepay for two. Let me tell you, walking away without any minion cupcakes was hard for Connor, but he made it through. Then I called Ian and informed him of our little evening excursion.

Ian got home and we set off. We arrived only to find a new worker who said he couldn't find my name on any minion cupcakes. I went back and forth with the guy for five minutes. He tried calling his boss (who I saw earlier in the day) and couldn't get a hold of him. We agreed I would go get dinner, then try to come back for the cupcakes and hope for good news. I went on their Facebook page and messaged them begging them to remember me. And they did, thankfully.

So back to the cupcake truck we went. The guy told me he hadn't heard from his boss. Armed with my phone, I let him read the Facebook message I got from his boss. And I kid you not, he still felt unsure about giving me the cupcakes, but FINALLY handed them over.

We decided to tailgate it in the parking lot and let the kids enjoy their cupcakes. Connor was so excited, smiling and talking to his minion. It was really quite cute. Both kids only got to eat the top before I took the cupcakes away...but don't worry, I let them eat the rest today.

My little minion, all ready for bed

Now for Connor and his minion obsession. My dad was planning on taking my nephew and Connor to see Despicable Me 2 a few weeks back. He decided to leave Connor behind when he said "What's a movie?" and I informed him he had never been to a movie before. However, my parents got both Connor and my nephew a couple minion toys and Connor has been obsessed ever since. He even dresses up as one...all his own idea. He puts on his goggles and a hard hat and calls himself a construction minion. It really is quite cute.